“I think that anyone that knows anything about the Strawweight division, knows there’s only 30 athletes,” she said. “So once you’re in the Top-15, it’s very selective who you have fights with. So that’s why when we looked at a new opponent with Joanne, we had to find someone who either hadn’t just fought, or didn’t have a fight lined up already. That’s very hard. Rose just fought.

“So it’s awesome that she stepped up and she’s taking this fight. You know, and there isn’t enough girls in the division. But you have to take the fight that you’re offered, and so I’m gonna take every single fight the UFC offers me.”

VanZant was also asked about Sage Northcutt, another young prospect that will compete the same night on the all-Fight Pass card.

“It was great to meet him. I met him right after he stepped off the scales to weigh-in,” she said. “Super nice, very well spoken. I think he’s got a very, very bright future, and that’s going to be exciting to watch his uprising as well.

“We’re both young, we’re new generation and the new breed. It’s awesome to see another young person like myself being very successful in this sport.”